The Gazette understands Boro are leading the chase for both players, but the club's new manager was playing his cards close to his chest when asked about the links following tonight's 0-0 friendly draw with Oxford United.

“We'll probably be linked with 50, 100 players and you'll be the first to know as soon as someone comes in!” was Monk's tongue in cheek response.

He then added: "But of course you try and work to shape the group how you want it to be and of course, like at every club, we are working closely to identify the strengths and weaknesses as we look to help the group.

“But that's a process that's ongoing and, like I said, the club are working hard back home while I concentrate on the group here and make sure they keep progressing.”

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Boro are believed to be closing in on Danish striker Braithwaite, who currently plays in Ligue 1 for Toulouse, with the club having agreed a fee in the region of €10m.

Meanwhile England Under-20 winger Ojo's move, if it comes off, would be a season-long loan from Liverpool , with Reds boss Jurgen Klopp keen for the talented youngster to enjoy regular game-time in the Championship in the coming months.

Monk, meanwhile, was satisfied with his team's performance against League One Oxford at the Estadio da Nora, in Ferreiras, Portugal.

“Physically we were blowing the cobwebs off and the heat was always going to be a factor for both teams but I saw some really good things and there were other things we need to work on which you would expect at this stage of the summer,” he said.

Boro in Portugal

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“We know that and the players are aware of that and most importantly it was a good workout back on the pitch with the players getting a good workout and getting used to being on a pitch in that environment.”

Monk made 11 changes at half-time and another substitution late on, meaning he used 23 members of his squad.

Explaining his reasoning, he said: “You are working with the players each day in pre-season but when it comes to match situations you need to see the full group and see how they play and look at certain partnerships and units that work together.